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These are not phrases we’ve heard out of Roy Williams’ mouth very often in his time as the head coach of North Carolina, or at Kansas for that matter, but they were both uttered at one point after the Heels’ 68-51 loss at Georgia Tech Tuesday night.

Williams has never missed the NCAA Tournament as a head coach when his team had been eligible to participate – his Jayhawk team did not play in the ’89 Big Dance because it was placed on probation for violations that occurred before his arrival – and he’s never been on the losing end of a score line more than a dozen times in one season.

This year, he may experience both.

At 3-8 in conference play, and 14-12 overall, the Heels are almost certainly in a position where the only invite to March Madness will come via an ACC Tournament Championship.

Carolina can pick up wins over Miami, Boston College, and Florida State, but victories over Duke and Wake Forest on the road will be tough to come by, and a 6-10 conference record just isn’t going to get it done during a down year in the ACC.

The Heels do have quality non-conference wins over Michigan State and Ohio State – both top-11 teams in the latest poll – and a win over Virginia Tech that is looking better every day (the Hokies beat the Demon Deacons Tuesday night to secure second place in the ACC).

But, those victories were a long time ago, and none were in their opponent’s gym.

In the “what have you done for me lately” world of Bracketology, right or wrong, your tournament profile is a lot more about what you do in February than what you did on and before January 10.

The potential has always been there for Carolina this year, but the breakout winning streak we’ve all been expecting after several valiant early-season efforts has yet to transpire.

There are a number of issues that this group has had to overcome – a rash of injuries to starters and key reserves, and ridiculously high expectations to name a few – but nobody thought this was the “worst-case scenario” team it has turned out to be.

Is it bad chemistry? A poorly constructed team? A lack of leadership? All of the above? None?

One thing is obvious at this point – not even the team’s Hall of Fame coach has any idea.

It's the middle of February, and yet Carolina had as many turnovers as field goals (19) against the Yellow Jackets, and shot less than 42% from the free throw line on 24 attempts.

When you see Williams on the sidelines now, the look on his face almost suggests that he has no idea who these people are on the court wearing his team’s jerseys.

He calls plays – the team doesn’t run them. He emphasizes valuing the ball – the Heels turn it over 15 times in the first 20 minutes.

At some point the players just need to play, but given the politically correct nature of today’s world, Ole Roy can’t just come out and say that.

What’s worse is that Ed Davis’ injury may do the team even more long-term harm than initially thought.

That’s because one of the few bright spots Tuesday night for the Heels was the play of John Henson.

The 6-foot-10 beanpole looked absolutely lost at the three spot for the entire year, but Davis’ bum wrist has forced a move to the four and a huge increase in minutes – and visibility.

In 30 minutes Henson tallied 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks against a front-line composed of Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors – both considered first-round picks if they decide to leave for the 2010 NBA Draft.

With a Brandon Wright-like reach and incredible bounce, Henson has had scouts drooling over his potential for a while.

If the freshman starts putting together double-double efforts like he did Tuesday night on a consistent basis - and without Davis in the fold he will get ample opportunity - there is no doubt Henson will have a serious decision to make at the end of the year.

Is Henson ready for the NBA? No. But was Frederic Weis? The only thing the Freshman had ever accomplished in his career was serving as a prop during Vince Carter’s incredible dunk during the Olympics, and yet he was still picked in the top-15 because of his size and potential.

Losing Davis this offseason to the NBA would hurt - losing Davis and Henson would be a disaster.

I know it's only one game, but many general managers have used first-round picks on players with even lighter resumes.

The sun has not set on the Heels’ 2009-2010 season just yet – just ask the 1983 N.C. State Wolfpack about whether or not the ACC Tournament can be a springboard to a deep run in March – but North Carolina certainly has just as many questions now as it did weeks ago, and perhaps even fewer answers.

I picked Carolina to finish second behind in Duke in the ACC regular season standings this season, and I had a bunch of reasons why at the time.

Right now, I, like Roy Williams, am at a loss.

Copyright 2010 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

jamiebradshaw1348Feb 23, 2010

it's all about Roy...cry me a river

slayerhilFeb 17, 2010

It's Voodoo I tell ya! Someone put a Voodoo curse on them.

shakennotstirredFeb 17, 2010

Come on... 7 all americans? Even as freshmen, a true all american shows some sign of being able to make a layup or not airball freethrows. And they pass the ball like it's a bile-bomb about to blow (you take it, I don't want it). Coach just isn't getting the job done. I know he's a great coach, but any coach in america could get more from these &quot;all-americans&quot;, even Sidney Lowe...

QCFeb 17, 2010

Enough is enough. A man who makes the type of money Roy does should not be saying such things. He should be building confidence and team attitude. Enough whining. So the class was overrated. They cannot shoot. They are weak (weak minds, weak will, weak bodies, weak BONES!). So here you stand. Get to work. Build strength and confidence and the rest will follow. Be a role model, coach and stop whining.

unbiasedaccfanFeb 17, 2010

To: TarHeelDefendingChamps who said &quot;the recruiting class is good. They will get better. They're playing out of position.&quot; I wonder who you've been watching? Henson is the only one that really has played some out of position. The Wear twins? Never will be above 7th or 8th man in the rotation. The recruited guards are never going to be great players on a great team. The recruiting class is all role players except possibly for Henson.

easystreetFeb 17, 2010

I am a huge CAROLINA fan but I must admit they are just not very good.Boy, this hurts. Not giving up though.......Worst game I have seen played in a while last night.

Go Heels!!

evenpar29Feb 17, 2010

Yes but because UNC is so bad it has shaken the whole ACC up! Maybe they will learn to play together as a team. Maybe not! But the question still remains is it just one position player that is missing? Will a Point Guard really make them that much better? Guess next year will tell the story! Until then I am loving watching them lose!

west1117722Feb 17, 2010

View quoted thread

unbiasedaccfan: "I guess its time to realize that the 5-man recruiting class that had such high praise isn't really that good Roy."

I have to whole-heartedly disagree. This freshman class is very good. For a big man to be good, they have to have someone who can get the ball to them at the right time and in the right place. The Heels have NO POINT GUARD! Add a true PG to the mix and these freshmen will look TOTALLY different.

Yes, Henson showed his potential last night. Unfortunately, it was mainly when he did things himself. With a good PG, Henson will rock your world.

— Posted by Joe Ely

yeah and im going to win the lottery, good grief these players are not that good and why does Henson miss so many free throws what does the point guard have to do with that

west1117722Feb 17, 2010

View quoted thread

I'm not really sure why Roy/WRAL don't understand why UNC keeps losing. It's pretty apparent to the rest of the world.....they just aren't good. It's almost like people think just because he is the almighty Roy that he'll miraculously turn this team around in a matter of days, but that just isn't going to happen.

— Posted by branimated

IM lost for words too i dont understand why people dont understand why they are losing they are just not GOOD PLAYERS the end period my gosh does it take a rocket scientist to see these, i saw these at the beginning of the year

DeathRow-IFeelYourPain-NOTFeb 17, 2010

unbiasedaccfan: &quot;I guess its time to realize that the 5-man recruiting class that had such high praise isn't really that good Roy.&quot;

I have to whole-heartedly disagree. This freshman class is very good. For a big man to be good, they have to have someone who can get the ball to them at the right time and in the right place. The Heels have NO POINT GUARD! Add a true PG to the mix and these freshmen will look TOTALLY different.

Yes, Henson showed his potential last night. Unfortunately, it was mainly when he did things himself. With a good PG, Henson will rock your world.